Moon Phases

Front

What is a moon phase?

Back

A moon phase is the shape of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen from Earth, which changes in a regular cycle.

Front

What are the main phases of the Moon?

Back

The main phases of the Moon are New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

Front

What is a New Moon?

Back

A New Moon occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth.

Front

What is a Full Moon?

Back

A Full Moon occurs when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, and the entire illuminated side of the Moon is visible from Earth.

Front

What is a Waxing Crescent?

Back

A Waxing Crescent is the phase after the New Moon, where a small sliver of the Moon becomes visible, increasing in size.

Front

What is a Waning Crescent?

Back

A Waning Crescent is the phase after the Last Quarter, where a small sliver of the Moon is visible, decreasing in size.

Front

What is a First Quarter Moon?

Back

A First Quarter Moon occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the New Moon.

Front

What is a Last Quarter Moon?

Back

A Last Quarter Moon occurs when half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, occurring about a week after the Full Moon.

Front

What is a Waxing Gibbous?

Back

A Waxing Gibbous is the phase after the First Quarter, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated and increasing.

Front

What is a Waning Gibbous?

Back

A Waning Gibbous is the phase after the Full Moon, where more than half of the Moon is illuminated but decreasing.